Covid19 / Research backs value of containment measures
In controlling viral epidemics closing down schools and shutting public transportation are measures that work, explains Jerome Adda, Dean for Research, drawing on results from his research. “They do not eradicate the epidemic but reduce the number of cases for a while. The cost of these measures is high and my research shows that a virus would have to be 2 to 3 times more deadly than a common flu to justify them. And the Coronavirus is about 20 times more deadly so these measures are indeed justified” The other important factor, he explains, is seasonal. “Most viruses thrive in winter, but die out in the spring and summer, so it is important is to delay the propagation until better weather kills them off.”